How to file I 130?

[csh2020 10]

Hello VJers. Is it better to file an I-130 online or by paper? Does it make a difference? They have changed a lot since I filed several years ago and I just want to make sure. Thanks for your input. 

[Dashinka 24,508]

Most do the I130 online now. 
 

Good Luck!

[pushbrk 12,894]

The online i-130 still has some known glitches, but since they are known, they seem not to present any big problem.  You save a few bucks too.  Otherwise, it's just personal choice.

[KMG 126]

2 hours ago, csh2020 said:

Hello VJers. Is it better to file an I-130 online or by paper? Does it make a difference? They have changed a lot since I filed several years ago and I just want to make sure. Thanks for your input. 

What I liked about filing online was that it warns you before moving on to answer all questions and add evidence, etc. In addition, you get the receipt as soon as you submit your application. You can also continue adding unsolicited evidence because you have an online account immediately. If you are living overseas it makes it that much easier also.

Edited 20 hours ago by KMG

[OldUser 6,694]

33 minutes ago, KMG said:

What I liked about filing online was that it warns you before moving on to answer all questions and add evidence, etc. In addition, you get the receipt as soon as you submit your application. You can also continue adding unsolicited evidence because you have an online account immediately. If you are living overseas it makes it that much easier also.

Not sure about I-130, but online N-400 form has its flaws. For example, one common thing people get worried about is question about supporting children. It should be only applicable if somebody is divorced and pays child support, yet married people get scared of it asking for evidence of support.

 

Also, issue with online form is - it doesn't take overlapping dates. For example, for residence. Say if one moved out from old and moved in to new address on 01/01/2020, the start date of new address cannot be 01/01/2020, it will force entering 01/02/2024.

 

Other issue - non standard answers. Say somebody has to explain something. My lawyers who prepared multiple petitions on paper were able to put short clarifications in brackets () next to answers, but online form won't allow it in some cases.

 

Lastly, online form suggests some non-existent countries in the list for current addresses. Say, Yugoslavia or USSR for current address. In 2024? You must be kidding me. Need to check whether it accepts Roman Empire...

 

 

Overall, online forms are good enough, but I don't like how some of the questions are somewhat paraphrased or skipped based in your input. It's easier to go completely wrong path if only one question is answered incorrectly. On paper form, in my opinion, you can notice faster if you're making mistakes, because you see what questions come next.

 

 

Edited 19 hours ago by OldUser

[KMG 126]

2 hours ago, OldUser said:

Need to check whether it accepts Roman Empire...

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